Category: projects

energy, green building, News, projects, waste, water

Cheers! Darling Brew is first Green Star SA rated brewery

It was recognised as the first carbon neutral brewery in 2018 and now, the craft beer haven in Darling in the Western Cape has become the first brewery to get it’s Green Stars. Sustainability consultants Ecolution explain that Darling Brew has received a 4 Star Existing Building Performance Green Star SA Certification from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA).  This rating monitors performance over … Continue reading Cheers! Darling Brew is first Green Star SA rated brewery

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energy, green building, projects, waste, water

Award-winning Two Dam Sustainable project set for growth

Over the Langeberg mountains and far away, a dilapidated farm has been transformed into a thriving off-grid Net Zero Carbon certified trout farm and self-catering accommodation. Soon, three new off-grid natural buildings will be added to the existing accommodation available to visitors. About four years ago, Vivian and Marco Harms, who were working near the Kruger National Park as a conservationist and a lodge manager, … Continue reading Award-winning Two Dam Sustainable project set for growth

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energy, green building, projects, water

Three net-zero certifications for Vleihuis residential development

The design of the Vleihuis development in Linden, by Marc Sherratt Sustainability Architects, has achieved three Net Zero certifications from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA). Set to start construction mid-2019, the multi-unit residential project has achieved Net Zero Carbon, Net Zero Water and Net Positive Ecology (Pilot) certifications. Starting with net zero as a brief, this project began outside with ecology, restoring the … Continue reading Three net-zero certifications for Vleihuis residential development

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projects, waste, water

Old Mutual aims for Net Zero Water

Old Mutual’s Cape Town head office, Mutualpark, is aiming for a Net Zero Water certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), after officially going ‘off the water grid’ in August 2018, thanks to dedicated long-term efficiency and savings, and a massive blackwater filtration plant. The 166 000 square metre office, which accommodates about 9 000 employees and contractors is one of the … Continue reading Old Mutual aims for Net Zero Water

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projects, Uncategorized

Lessons from the fire: a new green home

As the crackling flames from a seven-kilometre front of fire leapt nearer, threatening to consume Rhian Berning’s family home, she packed what she could into the car and fled to safety with her two young children and pets. Her husband and parents stayed behind on another corner of the property to fight the fire and try to save the original farmstead where her parents still … Continue reading Lessons from the fire: a new green home

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green building, projects, waste

Hammaring away

The Hammarsdale Waste Beneficiation Centre (HWBC)   When last did you hear of a construction project coming in ahead of schedule, under-budget and surpassing local labour requirements? It’s happened at the Hammarsdale Waste Beneficiation Centre (HWBC) in KwaZulu-Natal, where contractor Robertson & Poole paid great attention to community liaison and embraced the concept of building with alternative building technologies (ABTs). “The contractor has been fantastic. … Continue reading Hammaring away

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green building, projects

Natural learning

Located in Tanzania, the Amani library’s architecture provides different kinds of spaces and uses to promote a different approach to reading and learning, as an alternative to the typical frontal approach to lessons. Enclosed by thick earth walls and with access from the school, there is a multidisciplinary room for workshops meetings and lessons. The reading room is light and open with one of the … Continue reading Natural learning

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